Personality Theories: Course Overview and Objectives

Personality Theories and Perspectives

Course Information

Course Code: PSY4103
Credit Units: 3

Course Objectives

• Familiarization with Major Theories: Understand various theories related to personality and personal growth.

  • Note: This involves studying foundational theories that explain how personalities develop and differ among individuals.

• Articulation of Themes and Methodologies: Explore themes, methods, and assumptions to enhance comprehension of personality and behavior.

  • Insight: Methodologies might include observational studies, experiments, and longitudinal research.

• Critical Evaluation of Theories: Assess different theories using empirical evidence.

  • Additional Info: Empirical evidence refers to the information acquired by observation or experimentation that is then documented and validated.

• Comparison of Theoretical Perspectives: Analyze the differences and similarities between theoretical approaches to understanding personality.

  • Note: This may include comparative analysis between behaviorist and psychoanalytic perspectives, among others.

Course Content

Module I: Personality Psychology

• Concept of Personality:
  • Definition & History: Understanding what personality is and its evolution within psychological study.
• Personality Theory:
  • Meaning & Components: Discuss nature, philosophical assumptions, and evaluation criteria.
• Determinants of Personality:
  • Biological, Environmental, Social & Cultural: Explore how these factors shape personality.
• Methods of Personality Assessment:
  • Note: Techniques might include questionnaires, observational studies, and various psychometric tests.

Module II: Trait and Type Approaches

• Allport (Trait Theory):
  • Insight: Focuses on identifying core traits that define an individual's personality.
• Cattell (16 Personality Factors):
  • Note: A model that defines personality through 16 trait dimensions.
• Eysenck (Dimensions of Personality):
  • Insight: Proposes a model with dimensions like extraversion/introversion and stability/neuroticism.
• McCrae and Costa (Five Factor Model):
  • Additional Info: Also known as the "Big Five," includes openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
• Buss & Plomin (Temperamental Theory):
  • Insight: Examines personality based on biological temperaments evident from early life.

Module III: Psychoanalytic and Neo-Psychoanalytic Approaches

• Classical Psychoanalysis (Freud):
  • Note: Focuses on the influence of unconscious processes and childhood experiences.
• Analytical Psychology (Jung):
  • Insight: Introduces concepts like archetypes and the collective unconscious.
• Individual Psychology (Adler):
  • Additional Info: Emphasizes the unique motivations of individuals and the importance of social interest.
• Psychosocial Theory (Erikson):
  • Note: Highlights social development across the lifespan through various stages.
• Feminine Psychology (Horney):
  • Insight: Challenges some of Freud's theories and emphasizes the sociocultural factors in personality.
• Fromm’s Personality Theory:

Module IV: Behavioral and Cognitive Approaches

• Classical and Operant Conditioning:
  • Insight: Behavioral theory focusing on learned behaviors via reinforcement and punishment.
• Social Learning (Bandura; Dollard & Miller):
  • Note: Highlights the importance of observing and modeling the behaviors of others.
• Personal Construct Theory (Kelly):
  • Insight: Focuses on individuals as personal scientists using constructs to make sense of the world.
• Cognitive Affective Theory (Mischel):
  • Additional Info: Examines how cognitive processes and situational variables interact to affect personality.

Examination Scheme

• Internal assessment includes modes like home assignments, class tests, presentations, mid-term exams, etc.

List of Reading Material

• Engler, B. (2014): "Personality Theories: An Introduction."
• Hall, C. S., Lindzey, G., & Campbell, J. B. (2015): "Theories of Personality."
• Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2017): "Theories of Personality."
• More resources listed in the course for comprehensive understanding.

Extended readings: